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Mimeo E, no. 023 (May 1983)

Page 001

E-23
DEPARTMENT Of ENTOMOLOGY
household & public health insects
CONTROLLING COCKROACHES
Gary W. Bennett, Extension Entomologist
There are five kinds of cockroaches commonly found in Indiana. They vary somewhat in appearance and habits, but in general they are all rather large, flattened insects, brownish or dark in color and fast moving. Roaches seek concealment in the daytime and also when disturbed at night. They may be carried into homes in boxes, egg cartons, beverage cases and produce such as potatoes. In apartments and other large buildings, they readily migrate from one place to another along water pipes.
KINDS OF ROACHES
The German roach is a very common species and the one usually found in kitchens. The adults are comparatively small (about 1/2 inch long), tan in color and often occur in large numbers. The immatures (nymphs) have dark markings which make them appear dark brown to black.
The American roach is reddish-brown and is the largest of the common roaches (about 1-1/2 inches in length at maturity). It is found more often in food establishments, although houses and
apartments near such establishments frequently become infested.
The Oriental roach is also large (about 1 inch in length) and shiny black or very dark brown. It is often called a "water bug" or "black beetle." This species is frequently found in dampness and may enter homes through sewer openings. It may likewise live outdoors during the summer months and move from home to home.
The brown-banded roach is a southern species but is often found in Indiana. It resembles the German roach in appearance and size but differs in habits. It may infest the entire home, rather than confining itself to the kitchen or where there is food. Infestations usually start from luggage, furniture or other materials shipped from one place to another.
The woods roach normally lives under the loose bark of dead trees, logs or stumps. It sometimes invades homes built in or near wooded areas, but it does not thrive indoors. Males are nearly 1 inch long and dark brown with a pale stripe on the outer margins of the
Cockroaches common to Indiana: a. German, b. American, c. Oriental, d. brown-banded, e. woods.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907

E-23
DEPARTMENT Of ENTOMOLOGY
household & public health insects
CONTROLLING COCKROACHES
Gary W. Bennett, Extension Entomologist
There are five kinds of cockroaches commonly found in Indiana. They vary somewhat in appearance and habits, but in general they are all rather large, flattened insects, brownish or dark in color and fast moving. Roaches seek concealment in the daytime and also when disturbed at night. They may be carried into homes in boxes, egg cartons, beverage cases and produce such as potatoes. In apartments and other large buildings, they readily migrate from one place to another along water pipes.
KINDS OF ROACHES
The German roach is a very common species and the one usually found in kitchens. The adults are comparatively small (about 1/2 inch long), tan in color and often occur in large numbers. The immatures (nymphs) have dark markings which make them appear dark brown to black.
The American roach is reddish-brown and is the largest of the common roaches (about 1-1/2 inches in length at maturity). It is found more often in food establishments, although houses and
apartments near such establishments frequently become infested.
The Oriental roach is also large (about 1 inch in length) and shiny black or very dark brown. It is often called a "water bug" or "black beetle." This species is frequently found in dampness and may enter homes through sewer openings. It may likewise live outdoors during the summer months and move from home to home.
The brown-banded roach is a southern species but is often found in Indiana. It resembles the German roach in appearance and size but differs in habits. It may infest the entire home, rather than confining itself to the kitchen or where there is food. Infestations usually start from luggage, furniture or other materials shipped from one place to another.
The woods roach normally lives under the loose bark of dead trees, logs or stumps. It sometimes invades homes built in or near wooded areas, but it does not thrive indoors. Males are nearly 1 inch long and dark brown with a pale stripe on the outer margins of the
Cockroaches common to Indiana: a. German, b. American, c. Oriental, d. brown-banded, e. woods.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907